FAQ
TL;DR: Use the Imax B6 “Pb 12V” program to charge these 12V 7Ah AGM batteries at up to 14.7 V; as one expert put it, “you can safely [charge] with 14.7V.” [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742264]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps hobbyists avoid undercharging, overdischarging, and premature sulfation when using RC chargers on small AGM batteries.
- MaxPower/Vipow 12V 7Ah are AGM, not gel; set charger to Pb/AGM. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742264]
- Battery label specs: standby 13.6–13.8 V; cyclic 14.5–14.9 V. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16742218]
- Practical cutoff: avoid discharging below 11.5 V to limit sulfation. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742399]
- Imax B6 Pb program = CC then CV; beeps and shows Ah at completion. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18644140]
- Real-world log: ~4.1 Ah entered at 14.7 V after long top-off. [Elektroda, cool_wicia, post #18607545]
Quick Facts
- MaxPower/Vipow 12V 7Ah are AGM, not gel; select Pb/AGM on the B6. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742264]
- Label guidance: 13.6–13.8 V float; 14.5–14.9 V cyclic charging window. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16742218]
- Discharge limit: keep above 11.5 V; recharge promptly to reduce sulfation. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742399]
- Imax B6 Pb mode runs CC→CV, then terminates with a beep and Ah readout. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18644140]
- Observed top‑off: counter rose to ~4.1 Ah while holding 14.7 V. [Elektroda, cool_wicia, post #18607545]
Can I charge MaxPower/Vipow 12V 7Ah with an Imax B6?
Yes. Treat them as 12V AGM under the B6’s Pb program. An expert clarified these are AGM, not gel, and stated they’re safe at 14.7 V. Select “Pb 12V,” confirm polarity, and monitor temperature if you have the probe. “You can safely charge with 14.7V.” [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742264]
What voltage should I set for charging?
Follow the battery label’s cyclic window: 14.5–14.9 V. The B6 Pb mode peaks at about 14.7 V, which sits inside that range. This aligns with the case print: standby 13.6–13.8 V and cyclic 14.5–14.9 V. Use cyclic voltage for active charging and switch to float when storing. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16742218]
What discharge cutoff voltage should I use for these AGM batteries?
Avoid discharging below 11.5 V. Deeper discharge accelerates sulfation and shortens life. Recharge as soon as you reach that threshold. This is stricter than 10.5 V “dead” thresholds often quoted for lead‑acid, but it preserves capacity and cycle count for small standby‑type AGM batteries. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742399]
How does the Imax B6 Pb program actually charge lead‑acid?
It uses a two‑stage profile: constant current (CC) to the target voltage, then constant voltage (CV) while current tapers. The charger ends with an audible beep and displays amp‑hours charged. This behavior suits small AGM batteries and makes capacity tracking easy. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18644140]
Is it okay to leave the battery on the B6 for a few hours?
Yes, during a normal session. The B6 will taper current at about 14.7 V and stop the cycle with a beep. Users reported long top‑off periods with slow Ah accumulation while voltage holds at 14.7 V. Unplug after completion to avoid unnecessary float on the B6. [Elektroda, cool_wicia, post #18607545]
What float/standby voltage should I target for storage?
Use 13.6–13.8 V for standby/float. That value is printed on the battery housing and matches standard AGM float guidance. Float maintains charge without excessive gassing or water loss in sealed units. Store cool and recharge after any use. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16742218]
Can the Imax B6 handle larger lead‑acid batteries?
Yes, within its current limits. A user successfully charged a 55Ah car battery using the B6. Set Pb mode and observe CC/CV behavior. Charging large capacities will be slow but feasible if current and power limits are respected. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18608511]
What should I watch out for during discharge cycles?
Do not deep‑discharge. Keep above 11.5 V and recharge promptly. Repeated deep discharge leads to sulfation, reduced capacity, and early failure. This is critical for standby‑type AGM blocks used in UPS or alarm systems. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742399]
Does the Imax B6 resume automatically after a power outage?
No. It does not auto‑resume after a power failure. Restart the program manually when power returns. Consider this when charging unattended or on unstable mains to avoid incomplete cycles. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18655352]
What is AGM and how is it different from gel?
AGM uses Absorbent Glass Mat separators to hold electrolyte; gel uses silica‑gelled electrolyte. The discussed MaxPower/Vipow 7Ah units are AGM, not gel, so use AGM‑appropriate voltages like 14.7 V in cyclic mode. Labeling confusion is common in retail listings. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742264]
What is CC/CV in lead‑acid charging?
CC/CV means constant current followed by constant voltage. The B6 charges at a set current until the battery reaches the target voltage, then holds voltage while current tapers to termination. “First, it charges with a fixed current, then stabilizes the voltage.” [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18644140]
How long will top‑off take near 14.7 V?
It can take hours with small tapering currents. One log showed current dropping to about 0.3 A while Ah slowly climbed from 2.8 Ah to roughly 4.1 Ah at 14.7 V. This slow finish indicates absorption completing. [Elektroda, cool_wicia, post #18607545]
Is 10.5 V a safe cutoff for these small AGM batteries?
No. 10.5 V is a “dead flat” benchmark, not a healthy cutoff. For long life, stop around 11.5 V and recharge immediately. Deeper discharge increases sulfation and reduces cycle count markedly. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16742399]
How do I set up Imax B6 to charge a 12V 7Ah AGM safely?
- Select Pb program and choose 12V.
- Set charge current to about 0.5–1.0 A for gentle charging.
- Start; let it run CC→CV to 14.7 V until it beeps and shows Ah. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18644140]
Do I need temperature monitoring with the B6?
It’s optional but helpful. The B6 supports a temperature probe accessory. Use it if charging in warm environments or enclosed spaces to add protection and stop on over‑temp events. [Elektroda, Wawrzyniec, post #18655352]
